Program Overview

In our rapidly developing world, employers demand strong written and verbal communication skills from their employees. The General Arts and Science program will teach you the value of developing these essential employability skills while also giving you the preparation you need to continue your studies at the college or university level.

Program Details

Program Code
GAP1
Credential:
Ontario College Certificate
Duration
30 weeks
Start Dates
Locations
Availability

Full Time Offerings

2025 January
London
Open
2025 January
Fully Online
Open
2025 May
London
Open
2025 May
Fully Online
Open
2025 September
Fully Online
Open
2025 September
London
Open
2026 January
Fully Online
Open
2026 January
London
Open
2026 May
Fully Online
Open
2026 May
London
Open
2024 September
Fully Online
Closed
2024 September
London
Closed

Part Time Offerings

2025 January
London
Open
2025 January
Fully Online
Open
2025 May
London
Open
2025 May
Fully Online
Open
2025 September
Open
2025 September
Fully Online
Open
2025 September
Open
2025 September
London
Open
2026 January
Fully Online
Open
2026 January
London
Open
2026 May
Fully Online
Open
2026 May
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed
2024 September
Fully Online
Closed
Start Dates
Locations
Availability

Full Time Offerings

2025 January
London
Open
2025 May
London
Open
2025 September
London
Open
2026 January
London
Open
2026 May
London
Open
2024 September
London
Closed

Your Learning Experience

Students who enroll in General Arts and Science are working toward college career programs or are planning to transfer to university. Above all, students are able to follow their passion and discover their interests.

 

As a student of both the one and two-year programs, you’ll have the opportunity to follow the pathway of study that most intrigues you with some majors even being offered in a flexible, online format. You’ll also have the freedom to build your own program by selecting the courses that interest you the most. The General Arts and Science program includes mandatory SILEx courses (Signature Innovative Learning Experiences) for students. This is our commitment to introduce all General Arts and Science students to “at least one rich, experiential learning opportunity”.

 

General Arts and Science is dedicated to flexibility and access to the outstanding learning experience offered through our program. While there are many reasons to take an online program or course, convenience is one of the most commonly listed benefits of online learning. Students have the opportunity to complete this program completely online, either full-time or part-time.

 

Graduates of the one-year program often continue their studies with exciting, career-path programs. If you choose to complete the two-year program, you’ll have the advantage of enhanced application status at Western University, allowing you to enjoy credit transfer for a Bachelor’s degree.

 

A part-time, online version of this program is available

General Arts and Science Registration

 

 

 

Career Information

Fanshawe’s General Arts and Science program will help you explore your interests and establish a strong foundation of academic studies in advance of a college career program or university study.

Did you know Fanshawe consistently ranks high in graduation employment rates among large colleges in Ontario? 

Here are some examples of career opportunities for graduates of Fanshawe’s General Arts and Science – One Year program:

Service Planner
Handle all aspects of planning activities, generating service requests, reviewing job costs, planning and managing field hours and reviewing the performance of service jobs.

Museum Tour guide
Learn about new exhibitions and develop tour strategies.

Administrative/Clerical Support
Provide quality customer service to the public by telephone or in person.

Customer Service Representative
Strong customer service, communication and organizational skills to handle large volumes of inquiries.

Program Progression

The General Arts and Science program consists of a one-year certificate (10 courses - 30 credit units), with an option to complete a diploma (additional 10 courses).

 

One-year certificate

Level 1Credits
WRIT-1030 Reason & Writing *3
Silex course (starting Fall 2021) **3
Elective3
Elective3
Elective3

 

Level 2Credits
COMM-3073 Communications3
Elective3
Elective3
Elective3
Elective3

 

Level 2 is the end of the one-year certificate. Students have the option to continue the two-year diploma (20 courses - 60 credits units) by completing level 3 and 4.

Level 3Credits
Elective3
Elective3
Elective3
Elective3
Elective3

 

Level 4Credits
Elective3
Elective3
Elective3
Elective3
Elective3

* There is a WRIT assessment to be completed before school starts. Students may be eligible to place out of the WRIT course, but must take another course in this place.

** All students must take a Silex course to graduate from the General Arts and Science program.​​​​​

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I pick my elective courses?

General Arts and Science offers a wide variety of electives in areas including Business, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Literature, and Sciences. You may take more than one course from any subject area. Your choices depend on your interests, abilities, previous academic preparation, future goals, and willingness to work hard.

 

What are my choices for electives?

Each semester, General Arts & Science offers courses from the following subjects:

- Business

- English 

- Film

- History

- Humanities         

- Indigenous Studies

- Interdisciplinary

- Liberal Arts

- Math

- Media

- Philosophy

- Physics

- Political Science

- Psychology

- Sociology

- Science

- Women’s Studies

- Writing

 

We also offer 7 of Western University’s first-year, full year (Sept.-Apr) courses that have a September start only. These courses are 6 credits each.

- History of Western Art (HIST-7024/7025)

- Intro to Philosophy (PHIL-7002/7003)

- Intro to Indigenous Studies (INDG-7001/7002)

- English: Forms of Fiction (ENGL-7004/7005)

- Intro to Sociology (SOCI-7003/7004)

- Intro to Psychology (PSYC-7006/7007)

- Intro to Women’s Studies (WMST-7002/7003)

Course selection varies from term to term. Current semester course selection can be found here:

General Arts and Science SILEx courses (Signature Innovative Learning Experiences)
-Protest Works of Art (Huma-1027)
-Discovering the Humanities (Huma-1028)
-History of Western Art (Hist-7024/ 7025)
-The Writer’s World (INDS-1115)
-Black Lives Matter: How We Got Here (INDS-1116)
-Racism in Canada (INDS-1117)
-The Global Drug Trade (INDS-1118)
-Global Citizenship (INDS-1119)
-Movement & Physical Fitness (INDS-1120)
-Humans and the Honey Bee (INDS-1121)
-Be Creative-Unlocking Your Creative Self (INDS-1122)
-Development: Circle of Life (PSYC-1128)
-World Religions (RELG-1004)
-Sociology of Fame (SOCI-1097) 

  
Course selection varies from term to term.  Current course selection can be found here: www.fanshawec.ca/gap1/list

 

Missing admission requirements from high school? The General Arts courses listed below are equivalent to high school courses for admission purposes to some colleges and universities (please inquire with the program coordinator or Student Success Advisor).

 

  • ANAT-3010 Anatomy Select Topics + ANAT-3011 College Qualifying Anatomy = 12U Biology (at Fanshawe only)
  • BIOL-3012 Biology Select Topics + BIOL-3013 College Qualifying Biology = 12U Biology
  • CHEM-3014 Chemistry Select Topics + CHEM-3015 College Qualifying Chemistry = 12U Chemistry
  • COMM-3073 Communications = 12U English
  • MATH-3069 College Qualifying Math = 12C Math
  • MATH-3079 Calculus & Vectors = 12U Calculus & Vectors
  • MATH-3080 Advanced Functions = 12U Advanced Functions
  • PHYS-3005 Physics = 12C Physics
  • PHYS-3005 Physics + MATH-3080 Advanced Functions = 12U Physics
  • WRIT-1030 Reason & Writing = 12C English

 

Already have credits at Fanshawe? Use them toward a General Arts & Science certificate/diploma.

We will accept up to 9 credits from any program, plus WRIT, some COMM courses and General Education courses. You may be eligible for admission to level 2 of the General Arts & Science program, please inquire with the Program Coordinator or Academic Advisor.

 

Where and when do I get my timetable?

After you have completed your registration form and paid your fees, you will need to complete your online registration. Your timetable will be on WebAdvisor after course enrollment.

 

How do I apply for the program on a part-time basis?

Please contact the program coordinator, Kate Traill ctraill@fanshawec.ca or the academic advisor, Bev Antone-Collar bantone-collar@fanshawec.ca to get registered.

 

Who do I contact if I have questions?

If you have any questions regarding program choices, courses, majors contact any of the following advisors:

Kate Traill, program coordinator
ctraill@fanshawec.ca 
 

Bev Antone-Collar, academic advisor
bantone-collar@fanshawec.ca

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  • Develop, through general knowledge gained in a wide range of subjects, in sight into both self and society.
  • Develop flexibility and clarity of both thought and expression in order to develop communications competence to a level required by business and industry.
  • Understand and utilize critical thinking processes and problem solving techniques.
  • Examine and evaluate various aspects of our changing society to assist in developing a sense of personal and social responsibility as a citizen in society.
  • Employ basic vocational, skills drawn from the areas of the Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences of Vocational Studies (Business, Technology).

 

Admission Requirements

OSSD (with courses from the College (C), University (U), University/College (M), or Open (O) stream), or equivalent, or mature applicant.

Students who do not have a high school diploma may wish to consider taking the Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) grade 12 Equivalency Certificate.

Note:
Graduates of General Arts and Science-One year may choose to continue into the second year of the General Arts and Science Ontario College Diploma program.
International Admission Equivalencies
Admission equivalencies for Fanshawe depends on your country of study. Please enter your location to see the requirements for your country below.
English Language Requirements

English Language Requirements

Test Score
TOEFL iBT 79
IELTS Academic Overall score of 6.0 with no score less than 5.5 in any of the four bands
CAEL Overall score of 60 with no score less than 50 in any of the four bands. score of 80 in listening
PTE Academic 53
Cambridge English Overall score of 169 with no language skill less than 162
ESL4/GAP5 Minimum grade of 80% in Level 8, 75% in Level 9, or 70% in Level 10
Duolingo Overall score of 105, with no score lower than 95

 

Learn More about English Language Requirements

Advanced Standing

Advanced Standing

Students who have taken courses at another post-secondary institution and/or have completed a One-Year General Arts & Science Certificate from another college may be considered for advanced standing.  Contact the General Arts & Science Coordinator at 519-452-4430 ext. 4044 for more information.

Applicant Selection Criteria

Applicant Selection Criteria

Where the number of eligible applicants exceeds the available spaces in the program, the Applicant Selection Criteria will be:
  1. Preference for Permanent Residents of Ontario
  2. Receipt of Application by February 1st (After this date, Fanshawe College will consider applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full)
  3. Achievement in the Admission Requirements
Post-Admission Requirements

Post-Admission Requirements

Courses

GAP1 - WRIT
Take WRIT-1030
(Students who place out of the WRIT Assessment must take 3
additional elective credits at the Post-Secondary level.)

Group 1
WRIT-1030Reason & Writing 13
This course introduces students to essential principles of reading, writing, and reasoning at the postsecondary level. Students will identify, summarize, analyze, and evaluate multiple short readings and write persuasive response essays to develop their vocabulary, comprehension, grammar, and critical thinking.
View all courses

Tuition Summary

London

Canadian Costs
$3,511.82
Total Cost of Program
International Costs
$15,993.28
Total Cost of Program

Online

Canadian Costs
$3,243.96
Total Cost of Program

*Total program costs are approximate, subject to change and do not include the health and dental plan fee, bus pass fee or program general expenses.

 

Contact/Questions